CIFOR scientists advise Costa Rican farmers to concentrate on soil conservation says the online paper, Inside Costa Rica. The piece addresses the soil erosion issues raised in a recent study by a team of CIFOR scientists that included Raffaele Vignola. The study highlights the need for farmers around Irazú volcano to increase their efforts in curbing the high rate of soil erosion on the slopes of the volcano. Raffaele Vignola’s team found that farmers were less likely to adopt conservation measures mainly because of limited understanding of the consequences of their agricultural activities on soil erosion.
“Perception of the problem is common, the ability to address it is a function mainly of technical assistance,” Vignola said.
The study recommends strategies such as Contour farming to help the farmers reduce the negative impacts of agriculture on soil. Although many farmers are already utilizing these recommendations, Vignola’s team stresses the urgency of getting more people to adopt soil conservation methods.
“Soil erosion limits ability to reduce soil infertility and, at the same time, can increase their demand on fertilizers and pesticides to compensate for degraded fertility,” Raffaele cautions.
The study is an important step towards the strengthening of conservation programs and the promotion of better understanding of the consequences, limitations and technological solutions for preventing erosion.
Contributors: Bett Ayrton
